Q&A with Assumption GS Captain, Tara O'Neill
What's been the most rewarding moment or achievement for you and the team so far?
This is our first year having a rugby team, so being able to get a full U18s team and two U16 teams, both playing full contact for the first time ever is a major achievement, and winning matches on top of that is just a bonus.
What advice would you give to younger girls who are interested in playing rugby?
Just go for it, the scariest part is getting out of the car for the first time. Rugby has a place for everyone, and you won’t find a more welcoming and inclusive sport.
If you could play on any international team, which would it be and why?
Would love to play with the Black Ferns, the intensity that they play with is just incredible and I would love to experience that. However, I could never play for anyone other than Ireland.
What's your favourite pre-game pump-up song?
Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal or Come Out Swinging by The Offspring.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation would be really handy for getting to training and away matches, well more home from them and also being able to see people.
Who is your rugby idol and why?
Eve Higgins, we play in the same position, and we have similar playing styles. I also love how hard she always seems to work, and I want to work as hard as her in my own games.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
A day to take time to acknowledge and be proud of the inspirational women in our lives.
Can you name a female role model who inspires you and why?
Hannah Tyrell, we have both gone through difficult times in our lives, that have come from internal pressure to do well in sport and school, and she has come through it. Knowing that someone has gone through that and is playing rugby and Gaelic at the highest level really motivated me and gave me hope. It made me feel like I could get through it and also be able to play at a high level in my respective sports, rugby, Gaelic football and camogie.
What message would you like to share with other young women on International Women's Day?
Just be yourself and do what makes you happy. Don’t worry what other people are doing, if you are happy that’s all that matters, and don’t let anyone put you off it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience as captain or about being a girl playing rugby?
Playing rugby has become a massive part of my life without me realising it. It has allowed me to meet some of the best people in my life and has given me some unbelievable opportunities to represent my country and province which is something growing up I could only dream of. Growing up I was never the most athletic girl, but I was strong and loved a shoulder when playing Gaelic and camogie, so I found the transition to rugby really exciting because I could use my strength and love of contact to my advantage. Girls’ rugby is the fastest growing sport in Ireland right now and it’s a real exciting thing to be a part of.
Q&A with Assumption GS Coach, Andrew Kinnaird
What motivated you to get your school involved in girls' rugby?
We have a few rugby players that play for clubs in Belfast and County Down, but we have never had a school team. It was one of our students, Tara O’Neill, who organised a team to play in the tag rugby schools' cup. I was astounded at the number of girls willing to give this sport a go for the first time. From there, we ran with it and now can field an U18 team and an U16 team.
What are some of the unique rewards of coaching a girls' rugby team?
For us, most of our girls have never watched rugby, let alone played it. Everyone is starting at the same level, they have built a real bond, going through the highs and lows together.
How do you approach creating a positive and inclusive environment for your players?
Our players have created this environment themselves. They pick each other up after losses and celebrate tries and wins together. Our girls have an attitude of supporting each other, whether that is in other sports like netball or camogie, or in school.
What are some of the most important skills you look to develop in your players, both on and off the field?
I want the girls to play, run, have a go. Most of the girls are beginners, and I encourage them if a gap opens up, take it, and trust that support will be there. I want girls to step up and lead the team, motivate those around them, but most importantly, have fun with it. Building skills in team sport are vital for everything they will come to do in their careers.
Can you share an example of a moment where you witnessed a player's significant growth as a result of your coaching?
As I mentioned, most of our girls are beginners with one student on our U18’s having played before. She was out injured, and I watched two of our players step up and lead the team. From not knowing any of the rules five months ago, to organising the defensive line, turning over the ball in the ruck, and reorganising an attacking line, it was a proud moment.
What resources or support do you think are most important for coaches working with girls' rugby teams?
The number of games we can play at the blitzes are excellent for the girls to get game time. That is the most important thing, to get on a pitch and must make decisions yourself. Becky Irvine from Ulster Rugby, has been great with organising these days and the girls look forward to them all month.
What are your hopes and goals for the future of girls' rugby at your school?
Win the Schools’ Cup! Who doesn’t have that goal for their team?
I would also like to start to introduce the game at the U14 level too.
What message would you like to share with other schools considering starting a girls' rugby programme?
Do it! The help and support are there from Becky and the team is brilliant. The girls in your school will love it!
How do you think sports like rugby can help empower young women?
Sports, from a young age, put girls in leadership positions. This is vital for anyone to experience. It also teaches determination, teamwork and most importantly how to keep going after suffering defeat.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience coaching girls' rugby or your thoughts on International Women's Day?
It is vitally important that our girls at school level are being celebrated through sport and for International Women’s Day, getting some recognition of being part of something much bigger than what I can bring as a coach.
